By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday extended his condolences to the government and people of Borno State on the death of the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mai Mustapha Umar Aliyu.
The late Emir was said to have died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday in his palace at the age of 80.
The Borno State Government confirmed his death through the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Alhaji Babakura Abba-Jato, in a statement in Maiduguri.
Abba-Jatau said “Inna Lillahi wa innah ilayhi rajiun, his royal highness the Emir of Biu, Mai Umar Mustafa Aliyu, has answered the call of Allah Subuhanahu wa Taa La.
“The late Emir was appointed in June 1989. He died this morning at the age of 80. He will be laid to rest in Biu at 2 pm today according to palace sources. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Ameen,” he said.
A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said his principal also “commiserates with the royal family and the Biu Emirate Council on the death of His Royal Highness who for 31 years had the privilege of leading the people of Biu with diligence and dedication.”
The statement read in part: “President Buhari affirms that the Emir who was a strong advocate for peace and development in the North East region, demonstrated visionary leadership that was very evident to all, including his efforts to modernise Biu by supporting the establishment of educational institutions in the community.
“The President notes that the Emir’s style of servant leadership for over three decades earned him the trust and respect of his community, contemporaries and Nigerians from diverse political, social and religious leanings.
“He believes that the Emir’s good works will continue to be remembered and cherished in his community and the wider region of the North East, praying almighty God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort to the people of Biu during this time of mourning.”
The deceased royal father was born on November 9, 1940 in Biu, and attended Kwaya Kusar Junior Primary School between 1947 and 1949 and Biu Central Primary School from 1950 to 1953.
He went to Hausari Primary School in Maiduguri between 1953 and 1955.
He was the District Head of Biu town from 1975 to 1989 before he emerged the Emir.
